A frame with several pictures of children assisted by Valeriu Nicola, hangs on a wall in their family home in Nucsoara, Romania, Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021. A gentle hero to many in Romania, Valeriu Nicolae says that, at heart, he is more like former NBA star Michael Jordan ??" highly competitive and eager to improve in what he does best. In Nicolae???s case that is helping others. The rights activist has earned praise for his tireless campaign to change for the better the lives of the Balkan country???s poorest and underprivileged residents, particularly the children. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)